DNR: Hunter success rates improved

The Department of Natural Resources reports fall hunters registered 7,054 birds, up 28 percent from the 5,523 they registered during the 2011 season.

The agency sold 54,500 permits for the season, including 37,721 via a drawing and another 16,779 over-the-counter.

The DNR said hunter success rates also improved, from 10 percent in 2011 to nearly 13 percent in 2012. Agency officials say a mild winter, a dry spring and early summer helped the turkey population grow.

Spring turkey hunting gets under way April 6 with a two-day youth hunt. The regular season begins April 10.

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.